In 2025, Scene undertook a Phase 1 feasibility study to appraise opportunities community-owned rooftop solar PV systems sites across Luton, Bedfordshire. Funded by the Great British Energy Fund and undertaken on behalf of Luton Community Energy Limited (LCEL), the study aimed to identify viable solar PV configurations to reduce local carbon emissions, increase the resilience and financial security for key community sites, and raise awareness for wider collaborative community action across Luton. Study locations included two schools, an Irish cultural centre, and a Gurdwara.
Rooftop solar systems at all four sites were technically and financially feasible under community-led local energy supply arrangements. As a result of the scale and financial prospects of solar installations at the two schools (120 and 76-kWp, respectively), these sites were recommended for further investigation. Here, locally generated energy is directly supplied to each school through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), generating a sizeable and consistent revenue stream for LCEL. Excess energy not consumed on site can also be exported to the grid, generating additional income. Developments at the two schools were deemed financially viable and technically deliverable opportunities for LCEL and could also incentivise future community energy collaborations across Luton. From late 2025, LCEL will engage school decision-makers to secure support and buy-in, ahead of detailed design and business case development stages.